Correlates of brain derived neurotrophic factor in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A case-control study

Background Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) appears to intervene in the pathogenesis and treatment response in Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), based on the conceptualization of ADHD as a neurodevelopmental disorder and the importance of the BDNF for normal neural development. Aim To estimate the difference in the serum level of BDNF in children diagnosed with ADHD and normal control, find its clinical correlates and to search which factors could predict abnormal level of BDNF. Subjects and methods A case control study was done on 35 child newly diagnosed untreated ADHD, control group of 30 healthy children. All were subjected to IQ test (Stanford-Binet), Conner’s test to assess severity of different symptoms. Blood sample to determine the level of BDNF. Results Serum level BDNF was significantly higher in children with ADHD (0.1596±0.0909 ngm). BDNF was positively correlated with cognitive problems (r=0.345) and negatively correlated with age and IQ (r=−0.399, −0.383 respectively). Predictors for high level of BDNF were age (beta=−0.368), IQ (beta=−0.368) and inattention (beta=0.422). Conclusion High serum level of BDNF in children with ADHD could have a role in the etiology of ADHD, affecting cognition and intelligence. The presence of inattention and low intelligence can predict high level of BDNF.